At a press conference yesterday, Prime Minister Perry Christie announced the appointment of Caleb Outten to replace Edison Key in the Senate.
Mr. Outten, who has little experience in public service and a lean resume, is a far cry from the seasoned and experienced Edison Key. But Mr. Christie’s appointments seem to always be based on party politics, with little or no regard for the public’s best interest. This was proven when he appointed drug smeared George Smith, as head of the Hotel Corporation, after first being elected PM in 2002.
Mr. Key wrote a damning letter of resignation from the Senate in January, 2004. He also resigned from the Progressive Liberal Party after being a member for more than two decades. Mr. Key cited widespread corruption and incompetence as two of the reasons for his resignation.
In announcing Mr. Outten’s appointment, Mr. Christie made reference to the fact that Mr. Outten was from Grand Bahama and considering all that island has been through, with two recent hurricanes, that he (Mr. Outten) could make a valuable contribution to the rebuilding of his island home.
Seeming to misunderstand his appointment and failing to grasp the correct usage of the word endeavor, Mr. Outten then addressed the crowd.
“I will do my endeavor best as the new senator and try my endeavor best to represent the people of Grand Bahama and Abaco to the best of my ability,” said Mr. Outten, apparently forgetting that he was appointed to be a senator and not an MP for Grand Bahama or Abaco.
Mr. Outten’s misuse of the word endeavor, on numerous occasions, left many wondering if Mr. Christie had appointed another functional illiterate.
Mr. Outten will be sworn in as Senator at a later date.
